Prince Harry surprises wounded soldier training for marathon

By Emmy Griffiths

April 03, 2017

Prince Harry continued to show his dedication to the health and well-being of injured service men and women by paying a surprise visit to a training centre to meet with injured soldier Duncan Slater. The Royal Air Force veteran was busy training for the Marathon des Sables - a 150-mile race across the Sahara which takes place over six days – when Harry interrupted his session.

The delighted Duncan swore upon seeing him as he worked on the treadmill, leading the fifth-in-line to the throne to joke: "Don't fall, don't swear!" before warmly shaking Duncan's hand.

After the former soldier lost both of his legs in a bomb blast in Afghanistan, he has pushed himself to the limits ever since, having also previously joined Prince Harry on an expedition to the South Pole back in 2013. Furthermore, he has already tried to complete the incredibly difficult race once before, but was forced to quit less than forty miles before the finishing line as his stumps were "rubbed raw" after having completed over 100 miles across the desert. However, this year he plans to get carbon fibre limbs, a revolutionary invention which should help solve the issue.

Chatting to Duncan about his heat training, which will help him get used to the difficult conditions in the desert, the Prince said: "You're looking in really good shape." Duncan replied: "Yeah, that was quite hot I'll be honest! That was miserable." "Hard to breathe, or?" Prince Harry asked. Duncan replied: "No, just so hot. Everywhere. Even the breeze is ridiculous." Fans were quick to praise Duncan and the Prince, with one writing: "Oh my gosh! Crying! I love inspirational stories like this. TY!" Another added: "Harry, your dear, beautiful Mother would be so proud of you and your wonderful work!"

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